Well, here is another chapter! ^^
Disclaimer: Pokemon belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics. This non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfiction belongs to me under international copyright laws and taking it is plagiarism. Thank you. *Phantomness bows*
Notes: <> for telepathy, ** for thoughts, italics if a pokemon talks
Timeline: 3 years later
Ash and Catelyn are both 15
Chapter 7: Dressing Up
“Do you think this makes me look fat?”
“Hmm?” Ash looked up from his latest book on water-type pokemon.
“Do you think this makes me look fat?” Misty repeated.
“Misty…” Catelyn said. “As much as I’d love to say no, that shade of green is definitely not your color. Why don’t you wear blue instead?”
“Because!”
Misty said. “Brock is taking me out on this date, it’s our two-and-a-half-year
anniversary, and I can’t look like I would for any other date!”
“Still, wearing green is
definitely not good.” Ash said. “Hmm… maybe red?”
“The only thing they have in red right now is this skimpy leather thing I would not be caught dead in.”
“Pity, now green’s all the rage.” Catelyn nodded in understanding. “But black?”
“Now that might work… its formal at least.”
The two girls went out to look for black dresses while Ash waited.
Strange,
aren’t you nervous?
“Why would I be?” Ash asked in complete confusion.
Catelyn
is your fiancée, yes?
“So?”
When are you getting married?
“Definitely not yet.” Ash shook his head. “Luckily, our parents just said if we’re not married by the time we are both twenty-five…”
“Oh?”
Ash looked at Misty, who was holding an armful of black and sparkly.
“Sounds interesting.”
“You
think?” Catelyn asked. “It is somewhat of a relief that they aren’t forcing us
to marry immediately.”
“Still…” Misty looked
contemplative. “What if Ash falls in love with someone else?”
“Well, then he can be the one to explain to our parents.” Catelyn said grimly.
Ash paled.
No, he didn’t have a girlfriend. It wasn’t as if Catelyn was mean or anything, she was just… there.
She was always by his side when he needed her. It was more than could be said of many friends.
Plus, she was an undeniably stronger trainer.
Ash wasn’t jealous, though. He was grateful for the skill he himself possessed.
Wasn’t that enough?
Yes…
“This one?” Catelyn asked, handing a dress edged with blue cord to Misty.
“No, I hate checks.”
“A pity…” Catelyn turned the mirror so Misty could look at herself from a different angle.
“Ugh! Where did that patch come from?”
“I believe there is some ‘art deco’ in fashion this year as well.”
“Well, there must be, because this is one ugly dress.”
“Are you disappointed?”
“I’m not giving up yet.” Misty said grimly. “Hand me the one with lavender edging.”
Catelyn inclined her head and passed the garment.
“Now this one… it’s perfect.”
Black, sheer sleeves, the bodice covered with sequins, and the barest edging of lavender. An overskirt of pale tulle in a shade of deep violet, almost black, sprinkled with rhinestones.
“Lovely.”
Catelyn commented. “It suits you well.”
“Hope Brock loves it too. Hey
Ash, what do you think!”
Ash looked up and winked. “Good one! Just remember to do your hair.”
“I would never forget that!”
“Well, good luck on the date tonight and hope everything goes well for you.” Catelyn said.
“Me too.”
Misty waved goodbye as she moved on to another store.
“Do you think she’s happy?”
Catelyn looked at Ash oddly. “Why would she not be?”
“Well… I might not be sure, but what I want to know is how Brock can stay with her?”
“You suspect your best friend of unfaithfulness?”
“Former best friend.” Ash corrected, his jaw jutting out like the prometery of a point.
“Ever since I caught him trying to rape you in Pewter…”
Oh, it hadn’t been pretty.
Catelyn was sure she could easily have beaten him as Lance, but one always took full advantage of any opportunities.
In any case, Ash had showed up in a minute. So Brock hadn’t really done much damage.
Except for the kiss.
She still thanked Lugia that she was master of illusions.
If she hadn’t, ugh…
She did not want that jerk to even go near her.
Never, ever, forever…
In any case, only a few scrapes from the ground had been her memory.
But it had been good for more than one reason.
Ash had taken care of her for almost two months, believing she was dealing with trauma. And who was she to deny free affection?
Yes… it was nice indeed.
Of course, she had to put him to sleep with Hypnosis so he wouldn’t find out about Lance yet, but… that was only a small problem.
Ash noticed Catelyn’s prolonged silence and put an arm around her quietly. She was probably still shattered from the attempt.
Well, he would help her. After all, what were friends, no, fiancées, for?
End Chapter
Completed 3/27/04